Half Marathon races near Mesilla

Day of the Dead - Day 1 and Day 2 is a late-October race weekend held at the South End Trail Head of La Llorona Park in Las Cruces, New Mexico. This event is part of the Dead Running Series. Both days feature distances from 5K and 10K up through the half marathon, marathon, 50K, 100K, and 100 miler. All races begin at 7:00 AM, with an optional 6:00 AM start for those running the half marathon and longer distances. Walkers are welcome, strollers are permitted for participants with small children, and the event follows a “no runner left behind” policy. The course is fast, flat, and paved, with a crushed gravel lane alongside. This setup suits first-time distance goals and personal-best attempts. The 5K and 10K follow simple out-and-back routes. The longer races repeat a 1.1-mile out-and-back section, passing a Super Aid Station multiple times. The marathon course is USATF certified and can be used as a Boston qualifier. Aid stations provide a wide selection of food and drinks, and runners can refill water bottles at a dedicated table. Each participant receives a T-shirt, and each finisher earns a medal for each day. Anyone completing back-to-back 50K, 100K, or 100-mile races gets a special Day of the Dead belt buckle and medal.

The State 47 Las Cruces Marathon begins and ends at the Field of Dreams in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The race location is approximately 3,900 feet above sea level. This event is part of a winter race series featuring a USATF-certified marathon eligible for Boston qualification. It also includes a USATF-certified half marathon, a 4-person relay, a 4.7K run/walk, and a .47-mile kids' mini run. The theme connects to New Mexico being the 47th state, influencing even the shorter race distances with the number 47. The course winds through the Las Cruces area, passing pecan orchards with views of the Organ Mountains and the Rio Grande River in the distance. Wanderlust Running organizes the event, which has sold out for multiple consecutive editions and attracted participants from all 50 states and 8 countries. Runners receive chip timing, custom finisher medals, complimentary professional photos, awards with local themes, and custom age-group awards. The marathon has a time limit of 8 hours, with an option for an Early Bird start for those needing more time, though this wave is not eligible for awards.